Sawyer Robertson steps up as the unquestioned QB1 this season. More than just wearing the uniform, he is carrying the hopes of Baylor in the Big 12. And for good reason. He changed Baylor’s fate in 2024 by winning six consecutive conference games and giving them an 8-5 finish. Now, Robertson’s composed leadership has ignited the team, and he’s focused on repeating that success. He is sticking to his process, ignoring distractions, and proving last season was no flash in the pan.

When Blake Shapen went down with a season-ending injury in 2023, it was Robertson who held the ground against Utah as QB1. He finished that year with 864 passing yards and two TDs. But 2024? That’s when he really proved his caliber. Robertson passed for 2,626 yards with 26 touchdowns, causing a stir in the Big 12, and solidifying his position as the Bears’ quarterback.

But imagine starting from not even being QB1 for the team to taking it to an 8-win season. That’s a massive turnaround. Yet that couldn’t change Sawyer’s mindset. As he talked about the entire situation at Baylor Athletics, he said, “It’s very different just because I’m trying to prepare and do everything the same basically, and I’m trying to stay away from all that stuff. So, basically just doing all the same stuff that I’ve done my past five years. It’s just, that’s there whether I see it or not, whether it gets sent to me or not. It is cool.” So, for now, Roberson is only focusing on winning.

Sawyer Robertson’s college journey was anything but easy. After transferring from Mississippi State, where he backed up Will Rogers and threw more interceptions than touchdowns in his limited opportunities, things looked uncertain. He even lost quarterback competitions at Baylor to Blake Shapen and Dequan Finn. At that point, his college career hung in the balance. But Robertson never flinched under the pressure.

And the proof is pretty evident in Robertson’s record. With a 153.1 passer rating, he earned a spot among the program’s top 10 QBs. He finished seventh in both passing yards and single-season touchdowns. His accuracy and composure also improved significantly. He had an ability to make crucial throws. All of this allowed him to lead the team, and transform their season. Baylor finally had their starting quarterback.

Now, even NFL scouts are circling behind him. Teams like the Raiders, Saints, and Steelers are already eyeing him. Some think he could be drafted in the second or third round. Yet, Robertson isn’t fazed by the growing buzz. He’s focused on leading his team, motivating his teammates, and ignoring the distractions. While 2024 was his breakthrough, he could truly dominate in 2025. But that’s not the only thing that makes him a perfect fit for Dave Aranda’s team.

Sawyer Robertson’s leadership making impact on the Bears

Sawyer Robertson is entering the season with no QB competition to worry about. Now, he begins his fall practice as Baylor’s clear-cut starting quarterback for the first time in his college career. And offensive coordinator Jake Spavital can clearly notice the difference. “He knows it’s his team, and he’s doing a great job with it,” Spavital said. “He’s trying to take that leadership role over. Last year at this point, he was just trying to win the quarterback competition. And now he’s put together a pretty solid year.” Robertson’s confidence is already energizing Baylor’s offense.

Off the field, Robertson makes a similar impact. He’s embraced NIL not just for himself, but to help others. His faith drives him in these actions. Remember that Thanksgiving moment that went viral? That was him. A Yeti NIL deal resulting in custom coolers for his teammates. This leadership style has earned him respect in the locker room. His actions speak volumes, and recruits are taking notice of the changing culture.

Sawyer Robertson believes in giving it all he has, because at the end, what really matters is what kind of person you are. “I think there are quite a few things that go into it. One of them being, at the end of the day, what really matters. Obviously, 50 years from now, 100 years from now, the odds of people knowing my statistics as a Baylor football player are not great. But what does matter is the impact I made while I had the platform,” Robertson explained. This grounded, selfless, and forward-thinking mentality could be Baylor’s greatest asset in 2025. Now, with that kind of hype and leadership skills, let’s wait and see how this season turns out for him.